Make it a crime for officials and institutions to knowingly lie to the UK public

Rejected 10 signatures

What the petition asks

Make it a criminal offence for public officials and institutions to knowingly lie or mislead the public in their official capacity. Create clear definitions, independent enforcement, and appropriate penalties such as fines, removal, or prosecution

There is currently no law preventing public officials or institutions from knowingly lying to the public. This undermines democracy, damages trust, and allows misinformation to spread unchecked. Citizens are held accountable for dishonesty, those in power should be too. When officials knowingly mislead the public, it erodes confidence in government, weakens institutions, and harms unity. Truth in public life is essential. Intentional deception should carry legal consequences.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

The following petition calls for a similar action:

Make it a criminal offence to mislead or lie in public office
Make it a criminal offence to mislead or lie in public office

Timeline

26 Jul 2025	Petition opened for signatures
5 Aug 2025	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 10

Status Rejected

Rejected 5 Aug 2025

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